Hiding behind the broad wall of fame of Siargao — the Surfing Capital of the Philippines — is the Sohoton on Bucas Grande Island. Sohoton has been blessed with wonders of nature. I've been there twice in a row with less than two months of an interval apart. And surely Sohoton never fails to give me thrills.
I was fortunate enough that on my first travel, all expense was paid by the project plus I even had a per diem. How awesome is that, right? The team was also very fortunate to have a Project Development Officer who religiously researched a travel destination just to give the team an amazing trip before the project ends.
Usually, the main destination of the tourists is Siargao and they would have a side trip to Sohoton. But for us, we interchanged it and turned Sohoton as our main destination and Siargao as a side trip.
SOHOTON COVE
Sohoton Cove is located in the southwestern part of Bucas Grande Island, which is situated off the coast of Surigao del Norte, Philippines. It is a one-hour boat trip from the popular tourist island, Siargao. Bucas Grande Island lies within the breadth of the Pacific dubbing as the hidden jewel of the Pacific.
The island screams tranquility and adventure. It is an all-in-one travel experience where escaping from the hustle and bustle is possible. Sohoton is a secluded area and it is a great place where you can relax and savor the beauty of nature. The calm and pristine waters, the greenery of the islets, and the caves and their rock formations are breathtakingly beautiful.
Here are the must-visit destinations in Sohoton:
Bolitas Cave
Bolitas Cave is a low cave ceiling in which you have to belly crawl from the pinch-sized entrance to a 10-meter long, narrow passageway. Reaching the cave's end, you will see rock formations in a spherical ball-like form scattered on the cave ground. It resembles tiny metal balls used in ball bearings locally termed bolitas.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to fully enter this cave because I am asthmatic. We tried to crawl, but we were big enough for the then narrow passageway.
Crystal Cave
Bolitas Cave and Crystal Cave are adjacent to each other. Upon entering the cavern, on the left side, you will encounter first the passageway of the Bolitas Cave. If you walk further, you will reach the crystal cave at the end part.
There are stalagmites, stalactites, columns, flowstones, and other rock formations. As you walk in its wide and long chamber, you will see some rock formations twinkle like stars in the night when light shines upon them.
If you can imagine a gown full of Swarovski, then that's what the rock formations look like.
Hagukan Cave
Hagukan is a Visayan term for snoring. The two narrow entrances that look like nostrils produce a snoring sound as the water slams into the cavern. Hagukan Cave is also dubbed the luminescent cave because of its water that turns into a luminous green when the light comes in through the entrance.
During my two visits, I experienced entering the cave at low tide and the other one before high tide. The latter was the most fun part. (I'll share this in detail on my next blog!)
Magkukuob Cave
Magkukuob Cave is the highlight and the best cave for me! You enter the cave and exit thru cliff jumping. Fun, right?
Entering the Magkukuob Cave requires you to walk into the dark and rocky floor with high-waist deep water or more. Then, you have to rock climb towards a skylight leading to the jumping board.
Entering this cave means you have to cliff jump to a 5-meter high wooden jumping board. We were not allowed to wear a life vest. The guide said this: "It's okay if you don't know how to swim since we are here waiting to rescue you. But if you don't know how to jump, then do not enter the cave."
Stingless Jellyfish Sanctuary
Get onboard a two-man capacity paddle boat and enjoy the picturesque view of Sohoton Cove until you reach Tojoman Lagoon, which is the home of a swarm of jellyfish. You can touch, hold, and swim with the stingless jellyfish in the clear and calm water of the lagoon.
An underwater camera is a must to have a selfie with these jelly creatures. Lotion or sunblock can harm the jellyfish, so it's best not to apply any of these two when visiting the lagoon.
SUMMING UP
These must-see destinations can all be visited in a day. But if you want to relax and breathe, then you can extend your stay. Just bring enough snacks. Sohoton is very secluded where resorts are located on an islet or a lagoon.
To summarize the fun-packed adventures in Sohoton, here are the things you must never miss to do:
Swim in the Marka-a Island and Bubon Group of Islets (Stop-over only)
A tour in Sohoton Cove where the entrance and exit are a cave passable only when high tide subsides
Have thrilling cave adventures in Hagukan Cave and Magkukuob Cave
Swim with the playful and stingless jellyfish in the Tojoman Jellyfish Sanctuary
Cliff diving in Tiktikan Lagoon
Trek and have a boat ride in Tiktikan Lake
See the dancing glitters in the Crystal Cave
Crawl into the Bolitas Cave (If you dare to belly crawl, then go!)
Kayaking in a lagoon
Island Hopping
Sightseeing in Club Tara Resort
Have a sumptuous meal with freshly caught seafood.
This is just an overview of what Sohoton has to offer. In my succeeding Sohoton blogs, I'll share with you the detailed, fun, and thrilling experiences in the must-see destinations in Sohoton!
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All of your shots are so so good! I am already longing for some beach vacation.